Franklin Falls
About
What It Is
Franklin Falls is a three-tiered waterfall on the South Fork Snoqualmie River, located in King County, Washington, within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Snoqualmie Pass. [1] The falls sit between the north and south lanes of Interstate 90, just east of exit 47. [1] The combined drop across all three tiers totals 135 feet (41 m), with the most prominent being the final 70-foot (21 m) plunge visible from the base. [1] The site is managed by the USDA Forest Service under the Snoqualmie Ranger District. [2]
Activities & Experiences
Visitors hike Trail 1036, a one-mile path (two miles round trip) that follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River uphill through old-growth forest, with views into a canyon and glimpses of deep pools and cascades below. [2] The trail ends at the base of the falls, where visitors can eat lunch or stand in the mist of the plunge pool. [2] A two-mile loop option is available by turning right at a junction roughly a quarter-mile before the falls and returning via the Wagon Road Trail 1021. [2] Franklin Falls is also a recognized canyoneering destination. [1]
Practical Access
The trailhead is reached via I-90 exit 47: turn north over the overpass, then right at the T-intersection, then left onto Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) for 2.8 miles. [2] The road becomes one-way near the end and passes through three large parking areas; ADA parking and a vault toilet are available before the main lot. [2] A valid Recreation Pass is required at the Franklin Falls Trailhead. [2] The trail is rated easy with a gradual rise, though the final descent to the base of the falls is steep and can be slippery. [2]
Restrictions
Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted on the trail, and stock animals are also prohibited. [2] Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. [2] Camping is not allowed at this site. [2]
What Makes It Distinctive
Franklin Falls offers a short, accessible hike through old-growth forest that leads directly to the base of a 70-foot waterfall, making it one of the more rewarding easy hikes in the Washington Cascades for the effort required. [2] The three-tier structure of the falls, spanning 135 feet in total, provides visual variety that single-drop waterfalls of comparable height do not. [1] Its position between the lanes of a major interstate makes it unusually accessible from the Seattle metro area without requiring a long drive on forest roads. [1][2]
Sources
- Franklin Falls
- Franklin Falls Trail 1036 – Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (USDA Forest Service)
- Open year-round
- Best months: May–October
- Typical duration: 3h
Access & fees
- $5 entry/parking fee you can pay on site by phone or NW forest pass works.
Things to do
- family hiking
- forest walking
- hiking to falls base
- loop hiking
- nature observation
- photography
- waterfall viewing
- winter/snow hiking
Before you go
- steep slippery descent
Amenities
- ada parking
- vault toilet
Features
- 135-ft total drop
- old-growth forest trail
- south fork snoqualmie river
- three-tiered waterfall
Nearby
- denny creek campground
- denny creek trailhead
- snoqualmie pass
- weeks falls, twin falls
Good to know
- exit 47 off i-90
- ranger district contact
- trailhead directions
- trails reopened 2025
Photos
